JONESBORO, Ark. (7/14/17) – Arkansas State junior defensive back Justin Clifton has been named to the 2017 Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, presented annually to the nation's best defensive back.

Clifton was a Second-Team All-Sun Belt Conference for the Red Wolves in 2016 where he recorded a career-high 87 tackles, the second most on the team. He ranked 20th in the Sun Belt in tackles with 6.7 per game and finished the year with a career-best eight tackles for loss. He had two interceptions, both against Troy as A-State defeated the nationally-ranked Trojans. He also added five pass-breakups throughout the year, while his seven passes defended tied for the 14th most in the league.

The Tupelo, Miss., native recorded double-figure tackles in three games, including a career-high 12 against Central Arkansas. He was responsible for at least four tackles in each of the 13 games he appeared in and had six or more in seven outings.

Season tickets for the Red Wolves' 2017 football campaign, which includes six home games, are available for purchase. Arkansas State has had 12 consecutive seasons with a winning record at home and has won 30 of its lasts 36 games at Centennial Bank Stadium.

Single game tickets will be available for purchase beginning Aug. 1.

Tickets may be purchased through the A-State Ticket Office, located at the Convocation Center's lower red entrance, in person, by phone at 870-972-2781 or online by clicking the “Tickets” link located at the top of the AStateRedWolves.com home page.